Music

Despite the fact that we're still a week out from its release, Kanye West'sYeezus is already one of the most talked-about records of 2013. As yet, Kanye has neglected to release a lead single from the album, choosing instead to premiere new material during television appearances and by projecting his image onto tall buildings in major cities. In the age of the Internet, it's remarkable that such a hyped album remains so shrouded in mystery.

Only now are details starting to emerge: we learned that the album is going to feature the production of Daft Punk on "three or four songs", and that Justin Vernon, AKA Bon Iver, will also make an appearance. Yeezus is executive produced by Rick Rubin, who's worked with everyone from Weezer to Lana Del Ray.

Now, Kanye has opened up to the New York Times about the new record, his extensive catalogue, and his celebrity status. It's a long read, and you can spend some time with it over here, but we've taken the best bits out for you below:

Recording in Paris

I lived in Paris in this loft space and recorded in my living room, and it just had the worst acoustics possible, but also the songs had to be super simple, because if you turned up some complicated sound and a track with too much bass, it's not going to work in that space. This is earlier this year. I'm a minimalist in a rapper's body. It's cool to bring all those vibes and then eventually come back to Rick [Rubin], because I would always think about Def Jam.

On what Yeezus will sound like

Yeah, it's like trap and drill and house. I knew that I wanted to have a deep Chicago influence on this album, and I would listen to like, old Chicago house. I think that even "Black Skinhead" could border on house, "On Sight" sounds like acid house, and then "I Am a God" obviously sounds, like, super house.

On "Gevity".

The longer your 'gevity is, the more confidence you build.

On New Wave

There are people who have figured out the exact, you know, Kanye West formula, the mix between "Graduation" and "808s," and were able to become more successful at it. "Stronger" was the first, like, dance-rap song that resonated to that level. 808's and Heartbreak was the first, like, black new wave album. I didn't realize I was new wave until this project. I hadn't heard new wave! But I am a black new wave artist.

On following your instincts

It's only led me to complete awesomeness at all times. It's only led me to awesome truth and awesomeness. Beauty, truth, awesomeness. That's all it is. I don't have one regret.